Release Date: October 21st 2021. Record Label: Self Released. Format: DD
Void Emperor - S/T - Tracklisting
1.In Shadow 11:52
2.The Cimmerian 06:08
3.Hog Slaughter 06:40
4.Orgy of the Cannibal Demigods 08:40
5.The Zong Massacre 09:38
Members
Dezmōdeus - vocals
Jason - guitar
Shroomer Khan - bass
Chris - drums
Review
Void Emperor's debut self-titled album caught me by surprise when I found this album on BandCamp. I only listened to the first song and I was hooked by their blend of modern based Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal grooves. The whole and tone of the album is quite eerie and has almost a classical Doom Metal feel to them especially with Dezmōdeus demonic and OTT vocals that are a joy to behold.
The music is a mixture of long drawn out sludgy progressive parts with the Doom/Stoner Metal sounds fully lodged into the background. The music is low and slow for the most part on the opening song In Shadow. Void Emperor lives upto the demonic billing seen on the excellent album cover.
The album runs for almost 44 minutes but it feels longer and that’s a good thing. As Void Emperor, use every precious second wisely by playing music that’s always varied, challenging and interesting but one that is also superbly entertaining.
Void Emperor do channel their inner Black Sabbath on this release but one that is more heavier and can I say “VIOLENT” in certain places of the album.
Other great songs on the album are: The Cimmerian, Orgy Of The Cannibal Demigods and The Zong Massacre. Perhaps where Void Emperor go full out crazy with their own unique creative style that even manages to bring a twisted “FUZZ” sound to the album especially on The Cimmerian. Obviously Void Emperor are going for the more “Fantastical” vibe with their lyrics and allows this to have a sense of wicked and devilish fun. However, there is serous intent with Void Emperor with the “low and slow” grooves that mature into Heavy Psychedelic/Prog Metal riff wizardry with the band showing what fantastic musicians they are.
This allows Void Emperor's debut release to be an adventurous, thrilling and highly original slice of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal that is helped along by fantastic production values. The record sounds excellent from start to finish with a claustrophobic sound that brings a fresh Doom Metal approach on the heaviest parts of the album.
Give these guys and this album a chance. As you will be surprised by what you find here.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
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